The saga of YouTube vs. Disney continues, as a California Superior Court judge has rejected Disney’s bid for a temporary restraining order that would prevent former president of Disney Platform Distribution Justin Connolly from moving to a new position at YouTube.
Judge Denies Disney’s Bid to Prevent Executive’s Exit to YouTube
According to Variety, Judge James C. Chalfant issued a ruling on Wednesday, June 4, denying Disney’s motion for an injunction after a hearing in the dispute earlier that day. Three reasons were cited in the decision: “Disney’s ‘Lack of showing of emergency’; that the ‘Balance of harms works in favor of Mr. Connolly’; and that Disney ‘has not demonstrated a probability of success on the merits.'”
Connolly left his role at Disney after 20 years late last month to join YouTube as the global head of media and sports, right on the brink of the company’s major negotiations related to ESPN’s direct-to-consumer streaming service.
Shortly afterward, Disney filed a breach of contract lawsuit to stop Connolly’s departure, claiming a “breach of contract, tortious interference with contractual relations, and unfair competition.” YouTube filed its opposition this week, stating that Connolly was being used as a “pawn” to advance licensing negotiations.
According to Disney’s initial filing, in 2024, Connolly entered into a deal with Disney where he agreed to stay with the company through the end of 2027 and was “barred from engaging in dealings with competitors and had a one-time right to terminate the agreement for any reason as long as he provided written notice of his intent to exercise the provision.”
“We are disappointed in today’s ruling, but will continue to pursue our legal remedies,” said a Disney spokesperson in a statement. YouTube declined to comment to Variety.
Source: Variety
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